Understanding the 10 Types of Truck Accidents
Sharing the road with commercial trucks is a reality for all drivers. But other drivers often underestimate the risks. For example, commercial trucks are significantly larger and harder to control than passenger vehicles. This makes commercial truck accidents particularly dangerous.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 6,050 commercial vehicles had fatal crashes in 2022. Below, we’ll outline the types of truck accidents, and how you can seek legal guidance.
An In-Depth Explanation of the Types of Truck Accidents
Rear-end collisions
Trucks need more time to come to a full stop, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather. Rear-end crashes occur when a truck collides with the back of another vehicle.
T-bone accidents
T-bone accidents are also known as side-impact collisions. They occur when a truck strikes the side of another vehicle.
Head-on collisions
Head-on collisions between a commercial truck and passenger vehicle are deadly. Head-on truck accidents can happen when a driver loses control of their vehicle or crosses over the median.
Truck rollovers
Rollover accidents occur when a truck tips over because of cargo shifting or a quick turn. When a truck rolls over, it can block multiple lanes of traffic.
Tire blowouts
A tire blowout makes the driver lose control of their vehicle, leading to a range of dangerous circumstances. When a blowout happens, the truck may swerve, placing nearby drivers at risk.
Blind spot accidents
Because of their large size, commercial trucks have large blind spots around the front, rear, and sides. The trucking industry calls them “no-zones”. If a truck driver fails to check these areas before changing lanes or merging, they could collide with another vehicle.
Shifting cargo accidents
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, making a truck become unbalanced and veer out of control. Cargo may also spill onto the road, creating hazards for other drivers.
Underride accidents
An underride accident is particularly fatal. Crashing into a commercial truck, a smaller vehicle is wedged underneath it.
Override accidents
Override accidents occur when a truck driver fails to stop in time. The truck is driven over a smaller vehicle in front of it.
Wide-turn accidents
Disaster strikes when a truck swings wide to make a right turn. This maneuver can trap vehicles between the truck and the curb.
The 8 Top Causes of Truck Accidents
Several factors contribute to truck accidents. Most causes are preventable and stem from mistakes by the truck driver or trucking company. These are the most common causes of truck accidents we’ve seen in claims for the past 24 years.
Driver fatigue
Truck drivers often face tight deadlines. Despite driver regulations, some trucking companies push their drivers to exceed these shift limits.
Distracted driving
Smartphones, GPS, or other in-cab distractions can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. Even a brief distraction can result in devastating consequences.
Improperly loaded cargo
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transport, making the truck unstable or roll over. Overloading or unevenly distributed cargo also puts strain on the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of mechanical failure.
Speeding and reckless driving
Truck drivers may speed or drive aggressively to meet delivery schedules, increasing the risk of collisions. Trucks also need longer stopping distances, and speeding makes it difficult to avoid crashes.
Inadequate vehicle maintenance
Lax maintenance practices and faulty repairs can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical problems. When trucking companies neglect regular inspections, they put unsafe vehicles on the road, increasing the danger for everyone.
Driving under the influence (drugs or alcohol)
Trucking regulations hold truck drivers to higher standards for alcohol consumption. Yet, drunk driving remains a serious cause of commercial truck accidents.
Poor weather
Rain, fog, snow and other poor conditions reduce visibility and road traction. When truck drivers fail to adjust their speed or driving behavior, the risk of rollover or jackknife accidents increase.
Untrained drivers
Occasionally, companies will put untrained drivers behind the wheel. In some cases, trucking carriers fail to run background checks on employees drivers before hiring them. Inexperienced or and improperly vetted drivers pose a risk to all other drivers and passengers.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you are suffering after a truck accident, you need someone who will fight for you while you recover.
We can’t list the trucking companies with the worst accident records, but we can provide legal guidance. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we’re prepared to evaluate your case. We have dedicated our careers to fighting for the rights of our clients, and we are ready to help you, too.
Don’t risk your future. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
